THURSDAY, AUG. 28, 2025 • VOLUME N0. 124 • ISSUE NO. 49 • 1 SECTION • 8 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
GREAT TO BE BACK
Colfax-Mingo and Baxter school districts kick off the 2025-26 school year Aug. 25
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune From kindergartners to seniors, students and staff were excited to get back in the classroom at both Colfax-Mingo and Baxter schools.
A second chance to have Dinner in the Street Colfax Main Street event so popular in first year it is back for an encore By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Colfax Main Street in 2024, the organization hosted a Dinner in the Street fundraiser event. With more than 110 people enjoying a meal by local providers, the night was a huge success; so much so it was decided to try it again in 2025. “We wanted to do the event to celebrate our community’s accomplishments in restoring our historic downtown business district and our efforts to make it a more economically vibrant place,” Colfax Main Street Director Stuart Patterson said. “We were only planning on this being a one-time event, but we had many people tell us how much of a good time they had and that we should do it again. We decided to bite the bullet and try it again this year.” A brief rainstorm didn’t dampen the festivities and even made File Photo way for huge rainbows to enhance Diners enjoy Dinner in the Street, a fundraiser event held in 2024 DINNER | 3
to celebrate 15 years of Colfax Main Street. The event is back and planned for Sept. 20 in downtown Colfax.
Burdess exits Colfax police chief role City appoints Sgt. William Mortenson as interim police chief, begins search for replacement By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune The City of Colfax is looking for a new police chief following the resignation of former Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess. The Colfax City Council accepted his resignation at the Aug. 11 meeting effective for Aug. 15. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the police department here in my hometown the past three years,” Burdess said. “I appreciate the trust you have placed in me by hiring me for this position and the support you have given me and the depart-
ment during this time.” Burdess shared he is taking a position in the private sector. The council thanked him for his service to the city during his years of service. During his time at the Colfax Police Department, Burdess was instrumental in engaging with the public. One event he started in the community was National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to POLICE | 3
Jasper County reworks pay plans to retain and attract more workers Supervisors had instructed wage committee to find system that best fits county By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune Supervisors have reworked all pay plans for Jasper County employees in hopes to simplify the system, attract more workers and save tax dollars in the long run. Dennis Simon, director of human resources for Jasper County, said the new pay plans had been formulating over the past several months. Supervisors had been meeting with Simon and other department heads during work sessions to hash out the details. They looked
at everything from step programs to merit systems. “Came down to making the recommendation to move forward with the fivestep pay plan,” Simon said at the Aug. 12 meeting. “It achieves everything I believe the board wanted. It increases our hiring rate, it also gets the employee to the top rate of scale; both would be very effective for recruitment tools and retainment.” The supervisors approved five different consolidated pay plans, including plans for the sheriff ’s office, courthouse/maintenance/ elderly nutrition, secondCONTACT US
ary roads, conservation, hourly non-bargaining and non-department heads. In addition, the board also increased the base rate of pay for AFSCME and PPME. All of the pay plans go into effect Aug. 23 and they will sunset on June 30, 2026. Supervisor Thad Nearmyer, who served on the wage committee, thanked everyone involved in creating the new plans. As the newest supervisor on the board, the process served as an insightful learning experience. It seemed like it would be an RETAIN | 3
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Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Jasper County has reworked its employee pay plans in order to attract more workers and retain the workers they already have. The process was months in the making.
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Area Record
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
A show of gratitude for CFD
Submitted Photo Newton Moose Lodge 923 presented Tommy Moose Dolls and ice cream gift cards to the Colfax Fire Department to be given to children during tragic events. Lodge members appreciate CFD’s response to the Lodge building fire earlier this summer.
Grant recipient in Baxter
Submitted Photo Baxter Garden Club received $964 from the Jasper County Foundation Grant. President Macy Lisk and vice president Peggy Smith accepted the check from the Foundation. This money will be used to purchase more city flower planters and trees.
Club News Colfax Historical Society The Aug. 18 meeting of the Colfax Historical Society was called to order at 7 p.m. by president Kevin Williams and he thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Aaron Bartholmey, Steve and Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp, Larry Daft, Stanley Daft, Peggy Dvorak, Rachel Wilty, Kathy Mathews, Larry Hurto and Tranquillity Smith. Guest was Josh Williams. Minutes of the July 14 was read. Treasurer’s report was presented. Kevin said Marge Hummel (Joe Laws’ daughter) will be here when she is available. She has a recording of her memories. We received a letter from Eliza-
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) Pastor Josh Burns 101 N. Locust St., Colfax Cell - 515-779-3148 SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Fellowship;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube MONDAY - Pastor Josh day off TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee Time; 2:30 p.m. Chair Yoga WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:15 ChiRho and CYF youth supper; 7:30 p.m. Youth Group THIRD SUNDAY - 8 p.m. Elders meeting, Board meeting after church; Collect for Food Pantry FOURTH SUNDAY - Potluck Dinner FIFTH SUNDAY - Potluck Breakfast FIRST MONDAY - WIC appointments FOURTH & FIFTH TUESDAY 3 p.m. Table of Grace IRA UNITED CHURCH Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Communion first Sunday
beth Schooler Watkins and she devoted her heart to finding the history of the Schooler line. She created two volumes of “Up The Schooler Tree” to add to our holdings giving others the opportunity to search its pages. If we do not need the volumes, please feel free to use them as door prizes or whatever might fill our needs in advancing our goals. The facility manager, Tranquillity Smith reported we have a lot more rentals coming up. Josh thanked us for waiting. He gave us more information on the Eagle Scout Project. He has been collecting more logs for the cabin. He showed us very nice fliers promoting donations and we will be including
information on our Facebook page. Joyce will be getting more information on the two large bricks. She will visit McCall Monument in Newton. Kevin has been contacting the DNR to see if we can beautify three acres with grasses and flowers. We will be mowing and then applying Round Up. Then proceed with the plan. Sunday, Aug. 24 will be open from 2 to 4 with Don and Joyce Jesson volunteering. Sunday, Aug. 31 will be open from 2 to 4 with Kevin & BJ volunteering. Saturday Sept. 13 will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Bottle Club volunteering. Admission is free. We were glad Tranquillity entered
her car in the Jasper County Fair Parade as it gave us the opportunity to show we are here. Kevin talked to Judy Atwood and she will let us have the Trainland Depot and possibly other items. Larry H. said the Jasper County Museum will be again be asking for more Christmas Trees to be decorated and Peggy and Cindy L. have volunteered to work on one. Colfax Main Street is having a fundraiser “Dinner in the Street” on Saturday, Sept. 20 starting at 5:30 p.m. on West Howard Street. Tickets are being sold. The next meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Church Schedules
METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH 3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354 SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165 SUNDAY, Aug. 31 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Jorden Borts TUESDAY, Sept. 2 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer & Coffee; 6:30 p.m. Gospel of John Bible Study WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m. AWANA Family Meal; 6:26 p.m. AWANA Clubs THURSDAY, Sept. 4 - 6:30 p.m. Outreach Meeting; Men’s Group FRIDAY, Sept. 5 - 7 p.m. Life Recovery Meeting; “The Cellar” following the Colfax-Mingo home football game SATURDAY, Sept. 6 - 7:30 a.m. Mean’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9 a.m. Women’s Ministry
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SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Newton, Iowa SATURDAY - 4 p.m. Mass SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass COLFAX FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH S. Locust & W. Division St. Office - 674-3782 Rev. Phil Dicks pastor SUNDAY - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Family Worship
HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 126 E. Howard Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship; Today is Food Pantry Sunday IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH 302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Marty Goetz 515-674-3711 SUNDAY - 11 a.m. Mass MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks 515-689-4926 SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time) ASHTON CHAPEL 8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402 Pastor Chris Hayward SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School (Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER Mike Mclintock, Pastor SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 3rd 6:30 p.m. Mens Bible Study 2nd & 4th - 6:30 p.m. Men’s and Womens Bible Study THURSDAYS 10 a.m. - Womens Bible Study
BAXTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 218 S. Main, Baxter Pastor Ben Spera Church: 641-227-3382 SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study THIRD THURSDAY of month - 6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
CORNERSTONE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP 1000 E. 12th St., Newton Rev. Josh Farver, pastor Phone 641-792-4650 SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship WEDNESDAY - 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study; Youth Group HERITAGE WORD OF LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 102 Second St. NW, Mitchellville Pastor Dave Adams 515-967-3330 SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Bible classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; 6 p.m. Evening service WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening activities LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service MITCHELLVILLE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES OF CHRIST 210 Third St. NW, Mitchellville Text/Voicemail 515-519-0206 SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Coffee Time; 10:30 a.m. Worship Time, in person or via YouTube Live at 1040 am WEDNESDAY - 5:30pm W.O.W Youth Group with supper provided Visit mitchellvillechristianchurch. org and follow us on Facebook
News
Dinner Continued from page 1
the celebratory evening. Planned for Sept. 20, the second Dinner in the Street will feature a BBQ pork meal with all the sides from BBCoop’s BBQ catering. Owners Ben and Melissa Cooper have been dedicated volunteers for Colfax Main Street, Patterson said, and were excited to step up and help out this year. The evening will also have a presentation by the Colfax Historical Society. With the city having a rich, unique history, it is sure to be very informative. “We’re also planning on do-
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
ing a pie auction fundraiser,” Patterson said. “We’re recruiting Colfax’s best pie bakers to bake pies for it. We hope it helps us accomplish more of our fundraising goals so that we can build a more sustainable program.” With more than 100 people at the table, Patterson said one of his favorite parts of the event is seeing people get to know community members they haven’t met before or that they haven’t seen in a long time. “Mingling, connecting and talking — I hope people made some good connections,” Patterson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing our community gather and connect with one another. We’re so close to Des
Moines that most people in Colfax commute elsewhere to work during the week; I like seeing our community members have opportunities to connect with one another in their own community.” A twist on a majority of its family-friendly events, the Dinner in the Street evening is meant for a more mature crowd. Patterson said the night would be great for a date or an opportunity to attend with a group of friends. “We also want events like this to help people be acquainted with and fall in love with their historic downtown, because it’s the heart of their community,” Patterson said. “When it’s healthy, happy and people care for the heart of the
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community, then it makes the rest of the community even better. That’s why we try to make sure the downtown is the focus of our events.” Events like this don’t just happen either. A group of dedicated volunteers put in hours of work to help make downtown Colfax shine. “I’d like to give a huge shout out to our organization team volunteers,” Patterson said. “They are the committee that is in charge of fundraising and volunteer recruitment for our program and they have been doing an excellent job with making fun fundraiser events and getting people interested in volunteering to make Downtown Colfax a great place.”
Colfax Main Street is always looking for volunteers to help in the efforts. Everyone’s unique skill set can find a purpose to help promote the downtown Colfax business district, make downtown Colfax a beautiful destination and help the small business community. To join in the fun at Dinner in the Street, tickets are $40 each or $70 for a pair and available at Spring City Pharmacy, Colfax City Hall or at colfaxmainstreet@gmail. com. They will be available until about a week before the event to allow the volunteers to finalize dining needs for the evening. “We’re encouraging people to get their tickets early,” Patterson said.
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live. “It is great to get out, interact with the community and let them know we are the good guys and we are here to help them,” Burdess said at the 2025 event. After accepted the resignation from Burdess, the city council approved Sgt. William Mortenson as interim police chief. He will serve in the position while a search is conducted for the role. Council noted Mortenson has previous experience as a chief and has been instrumental in the operation at the police department. “I have compiled a great group of officers who will continue to protect and serve the City of Colfax in my absence and I am sure you will continue to support them going forward,” Burdess said. “Thank you all for all you do for the city.” Burdess also offered help during the transition period while the city conducts the search for a new police chief. City staff was directed to advertise for the position to begin the process of finding a replacement.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Officers with the Colfax Police Department serve up free meals during the National Night Out event Aug. 5. The event was started by former Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess who recently submitted his letter of resignation to the city.
Retain Continued from page 1
Inspire change. Spark dialogue. Apply for the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting. Local investigative journalists reach into the heart of their communities, telling stories that matter. The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is partnering with the A-Mark Foundation to present the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, awarding $15,000 in prize money! We invite Iowa’s newspaper reporters to let their voice be heard and apply between September 1 - October 10, 2025 along with the INF Better Newspaper Contests submissions. Prizes will be presented February 5, 2026, during the Iowa Newspaper Association Awards Ceremony. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine! Find details at https://inanews.com/convention/a-mark/
easy task at first, but he soon found out how complicated it could be. “It was a long and sometimes painful process,” Nearmyer said. “And it didn’t totally work out the way we thought it was going to work out, but it did work out.” Supervisor Brandon Talsma said the pay plan was not accomplishing everything he was hoping for, but he was relatively satisfied with the result. The new starting pay, for instance, makes
Jasper County more competitive with similar counties. The plans also speed up the process for employees to climb their pay scales. “To where they’re not having to take 10 years or eight years to get to the top of the scale,” Talsma said. “The raises also between the steps are considerably higher. So essentially we kind of took our eight-step down and consolidated steps into this new five-step plan.” Back in March, the board of supervisors created a wage committee to analyze employee pay plans. Initially, the board had wanted to
move towards a more merit-based system. The wage committee spent the next several months trying to form a system that worked best for Jasper County. Newton News previously reported that supervisors wanted to make the pay plan simpler. Talsma argued back then that many of the pay scale ranges weren’t being used. He also disliked the idea of a county employee having to work eight years before maxing out their step increases. In a follow-up with Newton News, Talsma confirmed the change will save taxpayer dollars
in the long term. Talsma said the previous pay plans — with their costof-living adjustments compounding annually with eight years of step increases — were starting to cost the count a lot of money. Talsma said the new plan will hold costs down long term because once an employee hits the end of their steps they will only receive whatever may be given for costof-living adjustments. He estimated that after about seven years it should start saving the county money depending on cost-of-living adjustments.
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Published every Thursday in Colfax, IA 50054 • 641-792-3121 • news@jaspercountytribune.com Yearly Subscriptions: $52 in Iowa; $57 out of Iowa Postmaster - Send address changes to P.O. Box 967, Newton, IA 50208 USPS 121-300 • Periodical postage paid at Colfax, IA 50054 The Jasper County Tribune reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, as well as cancel any advertisement at any time.
Opinion
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Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
OPINION
Nausea hint: Mint! I’ve been struggling with nausea ever since cancer treatment began, which is over a year ago. And I’m sick of it! LOL. Of course, the docs have given me nausea medication, two different kinds: one that dissolves under my tongue, the other a pill that I swallow. Neither of them worked for me, even when I took both at the same time. Moderation has never been my strong suit. Somewhere back in my memory, I remember hearing that mint helped settle the stomach. Ginnie and I were on our way to a movie, “F1” with Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Javier Bardem. I was nauseous and knew the movie, which involved Formula 1 race cars, would be a wild, roller coaster type crash-movie. I decided to forgo popcorn and went for the Junior Mints instead. It was amazing how fast the Junior Mints settled my stomach,
Empty Nest Curt Swarm even with the topsy-turvy cinematography. BTW: if you haven’t seen “F1” see it. I’d rate it right up there with “Ford v Ferrari” and “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Since the Junior Mints worked so well, on our way home, we stopped at a convenience store and bought a handful of York Peppermint Patties. They also did a good job of quelling the nausea, like a fire blanket on a kitchen fire. So I’m wondering, why isn’t there mint soda pop? There’s mint everything else: mint juleps, minty mojitos, peppermint schnapps, peppermint candy, peppermint sticks, mint tea, peppermint gum. Why isn’t there mint cola? If there can be vanilla cola, and there is, and lemon-lime soda pop, why not mint? Maybe I should write the soft drink
companies. “Hey, Marketing Department, wanna be first with a mint drink? Mint has been known to settle queasy stomachs.” I could pitch the slogan, “Just a hint of mint in’t.” My testimonial might be a winner. Maybe mint soft drinks could become a staple for cancer patients, like Junior Mints are a staple for movie goers. You never know. Then I got the wild idea that mint chocolate chip ice cream might be just the ticket. I was in the grocery store buying mint-chip ice cream. I ran into a friend. She noticed my mint ice cream. It was the only thing in the cart. I explained to her that mint seemed to work pretty well in quelling my nausea. She said that she grew mint and that it had gone wild in her garden. It’s very invasive. She would bring us a gob. Or we could stop by and she and her husband would fix us virgin mojitos. We did, and they’re quite tasty with the fresh mint. You have to use a muddler to crush the mint leaves to force the mint juice out. Mojitos, virgin or with real rum are a great summertime drink. My stomach
was soothed instantly. Ginnie’s looking forward to mint ice tea. Maybe I could spread it on salads. Hmm. Mint Vinaigrette. But praise the Lord, since I have been eating mint’n chip ice cream, my nausea is almost completely gone (except when I eat catfish nuggets). And with it, the diarrhea. My blood sugar might be outta sight, but by golly, at least now I’m not living in the bathroom, and am able to go about a somewhat “normal” life. I remember kids and some adults who survived on ice cream when they had strep throat or tonsillitis. It didn’t seem to hurt them any. Ginnie just shakes her head. She had been searching for the right diet for me that wouldn’t make me sick, and fixing anything I asked for, like poached eggs (I’m so spoiled). She never dreamed in her wildest imagination that ice cream would be the answer. But she’s not sorry there’s mintchip ice cream in the freezer, either. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
OPINION
Three positions on childhood vaccination: Only one is correct By Thomas L. Knapp On May 27, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the federal government no longer recommends COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children. On May 30, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control contradicted Kennedy, instead simply recommending that parents of children between the ages of six months and 17 years “discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.” On August 20, the American Academy of Pediatrics took yet a third position: That “all young children” between the ages of six months and 23 months, possibly excluding “older children in certain risk groups,” should receive the vaccines. One of these positions -- the CDC’s -- is consistent with both good medical practice and parental rights/responsibilities. The other two -- Kennedy’s and the AAP’s — try to substitute the one-size-fits-all judgment of a few supposed “experts” for the case-by-case judgments of millions of parents and doctors. It’s not very often that you’ll see a good word from me where CDC is concerned. Its operations and recommendations often seem geared more toward affirming establishment policy positions than protecting Americans’ health. It’s nice to see the correct take coming from that corner. Why should decisions on childhood vaccination be made by parents with the advice of their family doctors? Put simply, vaccination entails both benefits and risks. I’m not referring to “fringe” theories about the dangers of mRNA “clot shots,” or to the notion that preservatives in some vaccines may be linked to autism,although those certainly are, and should remain, up for discussion. It’s an indisputable fact that some vaccines, including but not limited to COVID-19 vaccines produce allergic reactions in some patients. Those reactions can be fatal. Vaccines, including but not limited to COVID-19 vaccines, have also been linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. Whether that linkage is directly causal or whether a vaccine is just the tipping point that “activates” GBS seems unclear, but it’s a risk either way. Individual doctors are better positioned than “experts” a thousand miles away to evaluate their patients, their patients’ needs, and their patients’ risk levels, and offer their best advice on whether to undergo any medical procedure. And individual patients -- or, in the case of children, their parents/guardians -- are the ones entitled by right to weigh the benefits and risks, seek advice or not, and make the decisions. When a vaccine is administered, it’s injected into the patient’s body, not RFK’s body or the AAP’s body. Does the phrase “my body, my choice” ring any bells? It’s not just about vaccines. It’s about the whole range of health issues. Oddly, many of those inveighing against vaccine choice take the correct position on treatment for gender dysphoria in minors -- that parents and doctors should be free to do their best to help children. Also oddly, many of those rightly invoking “parental rights” on childhood vaccine decisions claim that politicians, rather than parents and doctors, are entitled to decide for everyone on child gender dysphoria treatment. Individual/parental choice is always preferable to letting politicians and bureaucrats choose for everyone. Thomas L. Knapp is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism
OPINION
Trump takes a shot at the Smithsonian On Aug. 20, President Trump slammed museums at the Smithsonian Institution for being too “woke,” focusing on “how bad slavery was,” and ordered a re-
view. I’m reminded that during his speech to the 140th Indiana Regiment a month before his death, President Lincoln remarked,
“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” Larry Hurto Newton
OPINION
Convincing 20-somethings and 30-somethings to stay in, or move to, Iowa The non-partisan Common Sense Institute Iowa (CSI) recently issued a report on our state’s worsening “brain drain.” The data are alarming. In 2024, among the 50 states, Iowa had the seventh highest (fourth when adjusted for population) cumulative net outmigration of bachelor’s degree holders aged 25 to 29. It was the highest of any Midwestern state. CSI warns that this trend will result in many billions of lost GDP and cumulative personal income, “weakening the state’s long-term fiscal health” and “reshaping Iowa’s labor market and threatening the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.” Employers, and frankly anyone concerned about growth in our state, should ask public officials how they are equipping Iowa to compete for talent. The question to ask them is simple: “What are you doing to convince 20-somethings and 30-somethings to stay in, or move to, Iowa?” In my judgment, at least three factors contribute to brain drain. The first is education. Our legis-
lature continues to undermine public schools with below-inflation funding increases, the diversion of a billion dollars over four years to private schools (with most of the money going to families already attending those schools), and senseless attacks on educators. As a result, dozens of school districts face cuts, and even less fortunate districts are consolidating or dissolving. Compounding this is the drop in AEA funding, which disproportionately hurts rural districts. Our state quarter reads “Foundation In Education,” but many young people and families will avoid places where education is under-resourced and underappreciated. The second is how we treat our natural environment. Young people and families want outdoor recreation. According to a recent state report filed with the EPA, 93 percent of assessed rivers and streams in Iowa (4th worst in the nation) and 83 percent of assessed lakes in Iowa (3rd worst in the nation) were impaired for swimming and recreation. This month 17 public beaches made the DNR’s no-swim list. The connection be-
tween water quality and health outcomes is undeniable. Iowa has the second highest, and fastest growing, cancer rate in America. Young people and families appreciate environmental issues probably better than any other generation. Many will not choose a state that ignores pollution. The third is our government-led culture war. For almost a decade now, the legislature has pursued a social agenda widely recognized as among the most extreme in the country. Bathroom bills, book bans, the rolling back of civil rights – is this what recent college graduates say they want? Do business leaders say this helps them attract a skilled workforce? For many young people, such laws are ugly and a reason to leave. As a fifth generation Iowan, I chose to come home after spending my twenties out of state. My wife and I have three teenagers who will someday face their own decision. If Iowa wants to attract young people and families, it has to fight for them. Employers and business groups should be alarmed by the CSI report. They should demand answers from public officials. College graduates have options. Let’s make Iowa a more attractive one. Matt Hayek Former Mayor of Iowa City
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Sports Sports Calendar August 28 Volleyball Baxter at Martensdale-St. Marys, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming Newton at Williamsburg, 5:30 p.m. August 29 Football Colfax-Mingo at Clarke, 7 p.m. Collins-Maxwell at Baxter, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 | 5 football•volleyball•cross country•basketball•wrestling•track•golf•baseball•softball Colfax-Mingo Tigerhawks • Baxter Bolts
Tigerhawks host Pleasantville for football scrimmage as season nears Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune The Colfax-Mingo football team hosted Pleasantville for a scrimmage at Tigerhawk Stadium on August 22. Clockwise from left: Colfax-Mingo senior Luke Padgett (60) jumps on a fumble in front of Pleasantville senior Owen Rule (5); Colfax-Mingo sophomore Wyatt Jay (82) catches a long pass in front of Pleasantville junior Braylon Bingham (6); Colfax-Mingo sophomore Chase Trotter (5) looks for running room behind sophomore Lawrence Solasberry against Pleasantville junior JJ Phillips (3) and senior Owen Rule (5); Colfax-Mingo sophomore Camden Cunningham finds a running lane during an offensive play. The Tigerhawks open the 2025 season against Clarke at 7 p.m. on August 29 in Osceola.
August 30 Volleyball Baxter at Colfax-Mingo tournament, 9 a.m. September 2 Volleyball Baxter at Lynnville-Sully, 7:15 p.m. Cross Country Baxter at Woodward-Granger, 4:30 p.m. September 4 Volleyball Collins-Maxwell at Baxter, 7:30 p.m. Cross Country Colfax-Mingo at Ottumwa, 4:15 p.m. Girls Swimming Newton at Grinnell, 7 p.m. September 5 Football BGM at Colfax-Mingo, 7 p.m. Baxter at Southeast Warren, 7 p.m. September 6 Cross Country Baxter at Central College, 9 a.m. September 9 Volleyball Colfax-Mingo at BGM, 7:30 p.m. Girls Swimming Williamsburg at Newton, 5:30 p.m. September 11 Volleyball Baxter at Valley Lutheran, 7:30 p.m. Keota at Colfax-Mingo, 7:30 p.m. Cross Country Baxter at Colfax-Mingo, 4:30 p.m. September 12 Football Colfax-Mingo at North Mahaska, 7 p.m. Baxter at Melcher-Dallas, 7 p.m. September 15 Volleyball Colfax-Mingo at Iowa Valley, 7:30 p.m. Cross Country Colfax-Mingo at Pleasantville, 4:30 p.m. Baxter at South Tama County, 4:30 p.m. September 16 Girls Swimming Oskaloosa at Newton, 5:30 p.m. September 18 Volleyball Colfax-Mingo at HLV/TC, 7:30 p.m. BCLUW at Baxter, 7:30 p.m. Cross Country Colfax-Mingo, Baxter at Colo-NESCO, 4:30 p.m. September 19 Football Central Decatur at Colfax-Mingo, 7 p.m. Twin Cedars at Baxter, 7 p.m. September 23 Cross Country Colfax-Mingo, Baxter at West Marshall, 5 p.m. Girls Swimming Centerville at Newton, 5:30 p.m. September 25 Volleyball North Mahaska at Colfax-Mingo, 7:30 p.m. Meskwaki Settlement School at Baxter, 7:30 p.m. September 26 Football Colfax-Mingo at Earlham, 7 p.m. Baxter at Wayne, 7 p.m. September 27 Volleyball Baxter at BGM tournament, 9 a.m. Girls Swimming Newton at West Des Moines Valley, 8:30 a.m. September 29 Volleyball English Valleys at Colfax-Mingo, 7:30 p.m. September 30 Volleyball Baxter at Colo-NESCO, 7:30 p.m. Cross Country Colfax-Mingo at Williamsburg, 4:30 p.m. Baxter at Clarke, 5 p.m. Girls Swimming Newton at Perry, 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate your new baby in the Jasper County Tribune! Email birth announcements to: news@jaspercountytribune.com
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Local News
Page 6
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
Drive sober or get pulled over From Aug. 15-Sept. 1, agencies are participating in the (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over project Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30 percent of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving. From Aug. 15-Sept. 1, agencies are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement
project. During this time, the public will see an increased presence of officers working together to remove impaired drivers/ motorcycle riders from the road. “Impaired driving can take many forms, and our law enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) are trained to identify all kinds of impairment. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, law enforcement can and will identify and stop impaired drivers when they see them,” DRE State Coordinator Todd Olm-
stead said. Making a plan for a sober ride can be a lifesaving decision. Designate a sober driver if you need a ride, or call a taxi/rideshare service. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. If you see or suspect an impaired driver/ rider on the road, contact local law enforcement. GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
USDA reminds families to pack food safety with back-to-school lunches Back-to-school shopping usually means backpacks, notebooks and lunchboxes. But don’t forget to add food safety to the list. Young children, especially those under age five, are more likely to get seriously sick from foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding parents, caregivers, and anyone packing school lunches to follow a few simple food safety steps. “As the school year begins, we want families to keep food safety top of mind,” said USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Administrator Dr. Justin Ransom. “Young children are more vulnerable to foodborne illness, and we
Metro Creative
want to make sure they stay healthy and ready to learn.” Here are USDA’s top food safety tips for the school year.
Keep cold foods cold Use at least two cold sources, such as gel packs, frozen water bottles, or frozen juice boxes. Place them on top and bottom
of perishable items like meat, poultry, and eggs. This helps keep food out of the Danger Zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees F. In this range, bac-
teria can grow quickly and cause illness. Choose the right lunchbox Use an insulated lunchbox. Paper bags are not a safe choice because they tear and leak as cold items thaw, which allows cold air to escape. Keep hot foods hot For hot foods like soup or chili, use an insulated container. Fill it with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes before adding food. Dump out the water, add the hot food, and keep the lid closed until lunchtime. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees F or higher. Follow the four steps to food safety • Clean: Wash hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after handling
food. Clean and sanitize lunchboxes regularly. • Separate: Keep raw meat and poultry separate from fruits, vegetables, and other ready-to-eat foods. Discard any containers or bags that held raw items. • Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature. • Chill: Use two cold sources to keep perishable foods below 40 degrees F. Discard leftovers if they enter the Danger Zone (between 40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours. For more information about food safety, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
Unity in the Community Fun Run UnityPoint Health – Grinnell will host its second annual Unity in the Community 5K/3K Fun Run at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 in Central Park, Grinnell. Participants of all ages and fitness
levels are invited to run or walk either a 5K or 3K course. Registration is $10 per person, with an optional event T-shirt available for $5 (if registered by Sept. 24). Children are welcome and should sign up as a registered par-
ticipant and must be accompanied by an adult. Race chip timing is included with every race number, which can be picked up on race day from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Online registration is open through
11 p.m. Oct. 3 runsignup.com/Race/ IA/Grinnell/UnityInTheCommunity or visit facebook.com/GrinnellRegional for more information. Day-of registration also available in Central Park. COLFAX DENTAL SERVICES
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Jasper Co Payments 8/12/25 Ace Hardware Supplies..............................78.87 Ahlers & Cooney PC Services.......................25,787.19 Alan Klein Services............................600.00 Alliant Energy-IP&L Utilities............................2,573.41 Amazon Capital Services, Inc Supplies..............................70.29 American Legion Goods..................................70.00 Anderson Erickson Goods................................615.41 Anita Diane Arnold Reimbursement.................471.10 Anthony Gillum Reimbursement...................44.99 Arrow Pest Control Services............................915.00 AT&T Mobility Services.........................3,591.64 Automated Flagpole Parts Services............................117.00 Automated Logic - Chicago Services............................980.00 Axon Enterprise, Inc Services.........................3,772.92 Bank of Montreal Services.......................58,898.75 Barbara Barr Reimbursement...................67.90 Barbara Swihart Reimbursement...................21.00 Becky Pryor Reimbursement.................107.80 Bituminous Materials & Supply Supplies.........................1,408.34 Black Hawk County Treasurer Services..............................50.00 Black Hills Energy Utilities...............................249.87 Brownells, Inc Goods................................543.51 Calhoun-Burns and Assoc., Inc. Services.......................22,186.10 Capital Sanitary Supply Co Inc Supplies.........................2,006.44 Cass County,Iowa Services.........................4,069.00 Central District of Assessors Education..........................275.00 Central Iowa Detention Services.......................10,926.05 Central Iowa Fasteners Supplies............................377.30 Century Laundry Distributing Inc Services............................268.34 Cindy Webster Reimbursement.................198.80 City of Kellogg Permit....................................5.00 City of Monroe Permit....................................5.00 City of Reasnor Utilities.................................43.00 Classic Car Wash Services............................145.00 Colfax Comm Senior Citizens Rent...................................400.00 DAIDA Services............................519.28 Dave Gryp Construction, Inc Services.........................6,500.00 Deborah L Johnson Law Office P.C. Services.........................1,387.70 Dennis Simon Services.........................1,951.34 Des Moines Jim Hawk Supplies............................255.00 Dodd's Trash Hauling Services.........................1,118.99 Eastern Iowa Tire Supplies............................501.90 Election Systems & Software Services.......................22,884.76 ESRI Inc Services.......................30,175.00 Fastenal Company Supplies............................621.20 Fidlar Technologies Inc Services.......................14,974.56 Forbes Office Solutions Supplies..............................74.75 GFS Automotive Services............................116.60 Glove Pro Plus, LLC Supplies............................390.00 Greenway of Newton Phase I Rent...................................500.00 Gregg Young Auto Center of Newton Services.........................1,173.78 Greiner Construction, Inc Services.....................606,717.77 Grimes Asphalt and Paving Corp Cold Mix.........................2,421.10 Halo Branded Solutions Services.........................1,024.43 Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Services.........................1,125.00 Heartland Business Systems Services.........................3,818.60 Hickenbottom Inc Supplies............................229.60 Hometown Press Services............................189.00 Housby Mack Inc Supplies............................314.52 IACCVSO Dues....................................50.00 IMWCA Services.......................17,195.00 Iowa Communities Assurance Pool Services.........................4,030.00 Iowa Dept of Transportation Supplies............................421.92 Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Services............................150.00 Iowa Office of the State Services.........................2,238.00 Iowa Regional Utilities Assoc Utilities...............................332.60 IP Pathways Inc Services............................946.60 ISAC Education..........................260.00 iSolved Benefit Services Services..............................64.40 Jacqueline D Nicholson CSR RPR Services..............................18.00 Jake Halferty Services.........................1,960.00 Jason Doland Reimbursement...................35.00 Jasper County Conservation Goods................................200.00 Jennifer Bracy Reimbursement...................35.49 Jennifer Cross Reimbursement...................35.00 JJ Nichting Company Inc Supplies............................210.75 John Deere Financial Services............................224.97 John Halferty Services.........................1,110.00 Joshua Price Reimbursement.................217.42 June Vos Reimbursement.................508.20 Katlynn Schuldt Services..............................39.50 Key Cooperative Gas...............................25,104.33 Killduff Telephone Co Utilities...............................100.00 Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, PC Testing................................84.00 Kristina Winfield Reimbursement...................35.00 Kyle R Boyea Services............................480.00 Lauterbach Buick Pontiac Services.........................1,276.87 Leon Murray Reimbursement.................973.00 Leonard Lundberg Reimbursement.................155.40 Lisa T McCarville, CSR, RPR Services............................245.00 Logan Contractors Supply, Inc Supplies.........................3,117.49 Lynnville Telephone Co Utilities...............................247.45 Magnum Automotive Services.........................1,292.14 Mahaska Communication Group LLC Internet..............................137.51 Mail Services LLC Services.........................1,975.34 Malissa Wilson Reimbursement...................13.30 Manatts Inc Supplies.........................1,968.76 Marco Technologies, LLC Services............................684.03 Marion County Medical Examiner
Lisa T McCarville, CSR, RPR Services............................245.00 Logan Contractors Supply, Inc Supplies.........................3,117.49 Lynnville Telephone Co Utilities...............................247.45 Magnum Automotive Services.........................1,292.14 Mahaska Communication Group LLC Internet..............................137.51 Mail Services LLC Services.........................1,975.34 Malissa Wilson Reimbursement...................13.30 Manatts Inc Supplies.........................1,968.76 Marco Technologies, LLC Services............................684.03 Marion County Medical Examiner Services............................250.00 Brothers Distributing Martin Company, Inc Goods.............................5,639.65 Martin Marietta Materials Rock.............................95,945.29 Mercy One - Newton Medical Center Supplies............................264.95 Michael John Balmer Reimbursement.....................7.00 Mid Country Machinery, Inc Supplies............................122.91 Mid Iowa Fasteners Supplies............................290.25 MidAmerican Energy Co Utilities...............................270.63 Midstate Solution LLC Project..........................18,157.00 Midwest Wheel Companies Supplies............................266.16 Mike Hoover Reimbursement...................28.00 Murphy Tractor & Equipment Supplies............................160.88 Napa Auto Parts Supplies............................282.63 Nathan Lanferman Services............................560.00 New Century FS Inc Supplies............................860.36 News Printing Company Services............................201.72 Newton Classic Carwash Services.........................1,539.57 Office Depot Supplies..............................48.91 O'reilly Automotive Stores Inc Supplies..............................38.28 Parkview Animal Hospital Services............................798.47 Patrick J Edwards Services............................330.56 Pepper Self Reimbursement.................339.50 Phelps Uniform Specialists, Inc Services............................184.88 Pitney Bowes Services.........................1,500.00 Polk County Treasurer Services............................950.00 Pomp's Tire Service, Inc Tires...............................2,481.18 Pope Law PLLC Services............................525.60 Power Services Company, LLC Services............................180.00 Prairie Ag Supply Inc Supplies............................658.62 Premier Office Equipment Inc Services..............................11.85 Professional Court Reporters Services............................112.00 Racom Corporation Goods..................................51.44 Rangemasters Training Center Goods.............................2,338.43 Reasnor Telephone Company LLC Utilities.................................30.50 Renee Lamb Reimbursement.................102.90 Riggs Printing & Forms Inc Supplies............................570.00 Rockmount Research & Alloys Supplies............................156.51 Ryan Eaton Services............................635.00 Sadler Power Train Truck Parts Supplies............................167.60 SCI Communications, Inc Services............................775.78 Searsboro Telephone Co Inc Utilities...............................150.00 SEAT Treasurer Education..........................900.00 Sioux City Truck Sales, Inc Supplies............................217.12 Smith's Quality Rental Services............................275.00 Spire Property Management LLC Rent...................................750.00 Star Equipment Ltd Supplies.........................1,429.50 Stephanie Ann Linn Reimbursement.................123.90 Stephen McBride Reimbursement.................107.80 Stephen P McManus Reimbursement.................786.10 Stew Hansen Dodge Goods...........................41,964.00 Storm Water Supply LLC Supplies.........................3,639.78 Sully Telephone Association Utilities............................1,059.64 Summit Fire Protection Co Services.........................2,502.00 Superior Welding Supply Supplies..............................81.54 Susan Young Reimbursement...................35.00 The Gathering Place Rent...................................400.00 The Masters Touch Services.........................7,600.00 T-Mobile Services............................242.20 Tompkins Industries Inc Supplies............................417.39 Trane US Inc Services............................675.00 Truck Center Companies Services.........................4,032.61 UMB Bank NA Bond Fee...........................300.00 Unifirst Corporation Services............................187.08 US Cellular Phone................................567.34 Utility Billing Utilities............................1,769.39 Vandiest Supply Company Supplies.........................1,927.20 VanMaanen Electric Inc Project............................3,556.00 Verizon Wireless Services............................645.50 Vicki Moore Reimbursement...................81.90 Virginia Meredith Reimbursement.................146.30 Wallace Family Funeral Services............................800.00 Willson & Peckacek PLC Services............................862.50 Windstream Services..............................66.93 Grand Total............1,125,231.10 Aug. 28 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: ALL CITIZENS AND ALL PARTIES OF INTEREST WHO MAY BE ENTITLED TO NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD ON INTENT TO SELL AND ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT TO SELL REAL PROPERTY LOCALLY KNOWN AS 318 W. BROADWAY ST., COLFAX, IOWA YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the City of Colfax, Iowa will hold a public hearing on Monday, the 8th day of September, 2025, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at the Colfax City Hall, 20 W. Howard Street, Colfax, Iowa, for purposes of discussing the intent to sell real property owned by the City of Colfax, Iowa and then entering into an agreement to sell the real property owned by the City of Colfax, Iowa and legally described as follows: A J WOOD'S PARK ADDITION LOT 2, BLOCK 1 YOU ARE FURTHER AND SPECIFICALLY NOTIFIED that a copy of proposals from interested parties, can be seen at the City Clerk's Office located at the Colfax City Hall, 20 W. Howard, Colfax, Iowa, during regular business hours through the date of the hearing. YOU ARE FURTHER AND SPECIFICALLY NOTIFIED that at the time and place aforesaid all persons will have opportunity to be heard for or against said sale. Proposal amounts can be increased at the hearing. The council may also consider new at the hearing. proposals Following such hearing, the Colfax City Council may act on said proposal without further notice or opportunity for hearing.
parties, can be seen at the City Clerk's Office located at the Colfax City Hall, 20 W. Howard, Colfax, Iowa, during regular business hours through the date of the hearing. YOU ARE FURTHER AND SPECIFICALLY NOTIFIED that at the time and place aforesaid all persons will have opportunity to be heard for or against said sale. Proposal amounts can be increased at the hearing. The council may also consider new proposals at the hearing. Following such hearing, the Colfax City Council may act on said proposal without further notice or opportunity for hearing. DATED the 20th day of August, 2025. David E. Mast Mayor Attest: Nancy Earles City Clerk Aug. 28
General/Sew/Wat Monthly Electrical...........1,223.79 MidAmerican Energy Urban renewal Mng. Sun Addition III, gas&elec......................63,362.33 Milligan Automotive.........General Lawnmower tire repair.........47.60 Colfax Auto Store............General Supplies fire department.....18.10 Overdrive.........................General Library E-Bridges renewal.372.48 P&P Small engines..........General Belt for Hustler lawnmower .77.99 Postmaster.......General/Wat/Sew Postage.............................241.00 Skunk River Sanitation....General Garbage............................853.00 Sondra Kenney................General Reimburse SAM's Club renewal................................50.00 State Savings Bank.........General Building payment...............683.37 Todd Heer........................General Updated wiring to 6G internet.........................250.00 US bank.................Gen/Wat/Sew Copy paper,TP,PT, micro365...........................377.09 Vanderpool Construction Urban Renewal 1st pay req.MngSun Add.III...........................67,342.93 Veenstra & Kimm.Urban Renewal 6 hours inspections...........786.00 Capital One......................General Library supplies&prepaid cards.................................864.46 Windstream Comm. Urban Renewal Fiber optic Mng.SunAdd III..................................14,436.37 Payroll......General/Wat/Sew/RUT Payroll..........................10,740.09 TOTAL EXPENDITURES.....$174,755.38 DISBURSEMENTS BY FUND 8/12/2025 General.........................16,296.48 Road Use.......................1,258.09 Water..............................5,802.51 Sewer.............................2,998.53 Urban Renewal...........148,113.77 Fundraising account..........286.00 RECEIPTS BY FUND 7-1-2025 to 7-31-2025 General...........................6,472.43 Road Use.......................2,593.47 Water..............................8,965.69 Sewer.............................9,795.48 LOST..............................3,611.85 Employee benefits.............202.61 TIF 1..................................166.91 TOTAL RECEIPTS.....$31,808.44 Aug. 28
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
CITY OF MINGO REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES– 8-12-2025 - 6:30 pm – City Hall 1. Mayor Pro Tem Crozier called a meeting to order at 6:30 pm with approval of agenda motion by Phelps & 2nd by Bartels. AIF MC 3-0. Council members present: Bartels, Phelps & Crozier. Absent: GoaleyPleggenkuhle, Bode & Mayor Perry. 2. Mayor Pro Tem Crozier asked for approval of the previous council meeting minutes. Motion by Phelps & 2nd by Bartels. AIF MC 3-0. 3. Representative from Cummins was to be present to discuss disputed bill. No one showed up. 4. Kimberley Sly, part time librarian assistant, and Sheri Phelps spoke in regards to the Mingo Caring Corner food pantry. Lacking volunteers in assisting with the food pantry in keeping it stocked and the shopping. Sheri felt it would be a good idea to have Kimberley Sly be in charge of it and pay her for her added time. City Clerk explained that the City could not pay someone for hours for an organization that is not a part of the City. There will be more discussions between Council member Phelps and library board members. 5. Blaine Bailey at 116 S. Station approached council about putting a 40x56 garage/shop at his residence. Council approved plans. Bailey will get in contact with Jasper County Planning and Zoning as they are responsible for issuing permits. 6. Public Works – Marty Smith gave report. In the process of an emergency discharge on the lagoons due to all the heavy rain we have received. Also lots of mowing. 7. MEDCO. Scott Hoskins gave report. First payment request for Vanderpool Construction was approved. Scott Renaud had updated MEDCO that Vanderpool will not be done by September 1 due to all the wet weather we have had. Discussed water issues around the construction area and surrounding areas. 8. Hometown Pride – Kristen Crozier gave report. Was just approved for grant to help with garbage cans and tables. May have someone able to donate concrete for placement of garbage cans. 9. Library – Report available 10. Community Center – report available. 11. Fire Department – Matt Forschler gave report. New probationary member: Chassidy Henwood. Need to start looking for grants for a washing machine for gear. 12. Old Business. A. Sharing agreements with CM Schools and/or City of Colfax. Nothing more at this time as Bob Perry, Mayor, was not in attendance B. City Clerk had not heard anything further from Shekar on filing for permit with US Corp of Engineers. 13. Action items: A. Resolution 26-4 – Resolution approving YE budget transfers to capital equipment fund for fire department, community center, community beautification and general streets. Motion by Bartels & 2nd by Phelps to approve said resolution. Roll Call Vote: Bartels-Aye, GoaleyPleggenkuhle-Absent, CrozierAye, Bode-Absent, Phelps-Aye. Resolution passes 3-0. B. Resolution 25-5A – Resolution amending 25-5 appointment of volunteer fire department officers. Motion by Phelps & 2nd by Crozier to approve said resolution. Roll Call Vote: Bartels-Aye, Bode-Absent, Phelps-Aye, Crozier-Aye, Goaley-Pleggenkuhle-Absent. Resolution passes 3-0. 14. Motion by Bartels & 2nd by Phelps to approve bills and financials. AIF MC 3-0. 12. Motion by Bartels and 2nd by Phelps to adjourn regular council meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Crozier adjourns meeting at 7:22 pm. Kristen Crozier, Mayor Pro Tem ATTEST: Sondra Kenney, City Clerk Aug. 28 CITY OF MINGO'S RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURES August 12th, 2025 Payable...............................Fund Description....................Amount Allender Butzke Engineers Urban Renewal Proof Roll-Morning Sun III.626.64 Beck Engineering Urban Renewal Civil Engineering............1,477.50 IRUA...................................Water 876,060 gallons usage...3,516.16 DC Sports..................Fundraising Shirts for Department........286.00 Demco.............................General Book pockets for library.......75.04 Internal Revenue...............Payroll FED/FICA.......................1,937.90 Iowa DNR...........................Sewer Annual NPDES permit.......210.00 Iowa One Call..........Water/Sewer Locates................................25.20 Windstream.....................General Phone & internet service...449.18 IPERS...............................Payroll Payroll............................1,344.27 Jasper County Recorder Urban Renewal Recording fee/Grant agmt.. .82.00 Jasper County Tribune....General Publications.......................190.16 JETCO................................Water Worked on water tower.....197.25 Microbic Laboratories Water/Sewer Mnthly bacteria,lagoon dischg................................422.50 WEX bank.......Road Use/General Fuel purchases..................332.52 Leaf.................................General Copier rent...........................93.92 Matt Dickey......................General Reimb. Supplies fire depmt..................................24.62 Storey Kenworthy...Gen/Wat/Sew Printed checks...................291.87 Menards...........................General Weed control playground....64.94 Metro Waste Authority.....General Landfill & curb it fees......1,381.11 MidAmerican Energy General/Sew/Wat Monthly Electrical...........1,223.79 MidAmerican Energy Urban renewal Mng. Sun Addition III, gas&elec......................63,362.33 Milligan Automotive.........General Lawnmower tire repair.........47.60 Colfax Auto Store............General Supplies fire department.....18.10 Overdrive.........................General Library E-Bridges renewal.372.48 P&P Small engines..........General Belt for Hustler lawnmower .77.99 Postmaster.......General/Wat/Sew Postage.............................241.00 Skunk River Sanitation....General Garbage............................853.00 Sondra Kenney................General
August 12, 2025 Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the County Board of Jasper Supervisors met in regular session at 9:30 a.m. with Supervisors Talsma, Cupples, and Nearmyer present and accounted for Chairman Talsma presiding. Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve the 4th quarter report for Veterans Affairs from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to adopt Resolution resolution 25-126, a hiring certifying the following appointments to the Auditor for payroll implementation: DEPARTMENT:..........Secondary Roads POSITION:........Full-Time Skilled Laborer EMPLOYEE:....Hunter McWhirter PAY RATE:.......................$26.43 RANGE/STEP:.........Hire-In Rate Union Scale (7/1/25) EFFECTIVE DATE:........08/18/25 YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to adopt Resolution 25-127, a hiring resolution the following certifying appointments to the Auditor for payroll implementation: DEPARTMENT:.........Community Development POSITION:.Inspection Technician EMPLOYEE:........Hunter Teague PAY RATE:.......................$25.37 RANGE/STEP:..............Standard EFFECTIVE DATE:........08/25/25 YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Cupples, seconded by to approve the Nearmyer consolidated Sheriff's Office 5Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by to approve the Nearmyer Courthouse, consolidated Maintenance & Elderly Nutrition 5-Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 – June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by to approve the Nearmyer consolidated Secondary Roads 5-Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 – June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve the consolidated Conservation 5Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 – June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve the consolidated Hourly NonBargaining 5-Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 – June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to approve the consolidated Salaried NonDepartment Head 5-Step Pay Plan (August 23, 2025 – June 30, 2026). YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve the Memorandum of AFSCME Understanding to increase the base rate of pay. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to approve the PPME Memorandum of Understanding to increase base rate of pay. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA No action was taken on the replacement of Jailers as the Board members have had discussions with the Sheriff. Moving forward they would like job replacement discussions to take place during the work session. Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to take the recommendation from the Engineer to work with Benesch and move forward with drafting a Design Service Professional Agreement for the T-38 N. Railroad bridge feasibility study. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to approve the quote from Election Systems & Software in the amount of $7,985.00 for ballot on demand equipment with $840.00 annual maintenance fee. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to open a Public Hearing for the 3rd reading on the Iowa Street Bridge removal over the North Skunk River. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Citizens spoke out against the removal of the Iowa Street bridge and addressed their concerns on being notified if the ROW would ever be sold and how they would be notified. Adam Southern from the Iowa Interstate Railroad
$7,985.00 for ballot on demand equipment with $840.00 annual maintenance fee. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to open a Public Hearing for the 3rd reading on the Iowa Street Bridge removal over the North Skunk River. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Citizens spoke out against the removal of the Iowa Street bridge and addressed their concerns on being notified if the ROW would ever be sold and how they would be notified. Adam Southern from the Iowa Interstate Railroad spoke to the citizens on how often the trains are coming through Newton from the East and the West. Legally the an cannot block Railroad intersection for more than 10 minutes, however, they can move a foot and the 10-minute clock starts over again. Citizens asked for a mock trial to be done to see how it goes and make sure the bugs are worked out. Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to close the Public Hearing. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to adopt Resolution 25-128 authorizing the closure and removal of a bridge on Iowa Street in Jasper County, Iowa. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve Board of Supervisors minutes for August 5, 2025. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to approve the Board of Supervisors Special work session minutes for August 6, 2025. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA There were no Board Appointments. Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to adjourn from the regular meeting and enter into the work session. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Community Development Director, Kevin Luetters continued the conversation regarding the 10-acre rule. Doug Cupples drafted the Zoning Board authority and the Board of Supervisors authority along with exceptions to the rule. The Zoning Department will come back to another work session with the proposed changes before taking it to the Board of Adjustments. Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to adjourn the Tuesday, August 12, 2025, meeting of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors. YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Jenna Jennings, Auditor Brandon Talsma, Chairman Aug.28
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Page 8
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
Colfax--Mingo Colfax
Baxter WE’RE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU IN THE
Welcome to the Colfax-Mingo and Baxter School Districts!
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